Miracle in Bellaroo Creek. Barbara Hannay

really care?’

      ‘Give me a break, Milla. Of course I’m concerned.’

      She pursed her lips, then seemed to relent. ‘OK. I have a big oven that’s been here since the nineteen fifties. It’s great. No worries there. I have gas cookers, a big bread mixer and a refrigerator and freezer. I’ll need more measurers and cutters and things like piping bags and nozzles, but they’re not a huge cost. I could do with an orbital mixer, but that can wait.’

      ‘An orbital mixer? What’s that?’

      ‘It’s good for the smaller things—cakes, cream and icing.’

      ‘I guess you need scales for weighing things?’

      Her eyes widened with surprise. ‘Yes, scales are very important. Dad used to have a really expensive set. I don’t know what happened to them.’

      ‘Where are your parents now? Will they be around to give you back-up support?’

      ‘Heavens no.’ A warm smile lit up her face. ‘They’re on a cruise. The Mediterranean this time. These days, they’re always on cruises and good luck to them. They’ve worked hard and they’ve earned their chance to have fun.’

      Her smile faded, replaced by a look of defiance. ‘I need to do this, Ed.’

      Deep down, he understood. Milla wanted to throw herself into hard, honest labour, as if it would somehow heal her past hurts.

      ‘What if you fail?’ He had to ask this. ‘What if you reject Harry’s money and try this—this hare-brained scheme and end up with nothing?’

      ‘That’s not going to happen.’

      ‘Milla, how can you be so sure?’

      She simply smiled. ‘Try all you like, Ed. You’re not going to change my mind.’